One Of The Most Affordable Places For Retirees Is A College Town In South Texas
Rising expenses across the country have pushed retirees to seek affordable college towns to move to, making cost-effective locations increasingly valuable for successful retirement planning. Two-thirds of retired Americans say the country faces a retirement crisis, and the average retiree carries $15,393 in non-mortgage debt, according to Clever Real Estate. More than 34% of non-retired investors are considering moving abroad for cheaper living costs. That has created urgent demand for domestic options that offer similar affordability.
Brownsville, Texas, emerges as the standout solution among affordable college towns nationwide. WalletHub's 2024 analysis of 415 college cities and towns ranked Brownsville at the lowest cost of living among young people. That makes it incredibly budget-friendly. This Rio Grande Valley city has some real advantages and sits close to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's local campus operations, establishing Brownsville as a legitimate college town environment.
Like other successful college towns for retirees in the area, Brownsville gets university-driven perks while keeping costs low enough to protect retirement budgets. RentCafe's detailed cost analysis shows Brownsville's overall living costs are 16% below the national average. That's serious savings for budget-conscious retirees and a smart alternative to overpriced retirement communities that can drain your savings account.
What it actually costs to live in Brownsville
Housing costs provide retirees with the biggest savings in Brownsville, with benefits that go beyond what you'd expect. Home values averaged $190,825 as of August 2025, according to Zillow – a huge 36.4% discount compared to Texas's average home value of $300,079. Renters get a deal as well. RentCafe shows housing expenses running 30% below national averages, while renters pay $1,650 monthly compared to the $2,050 national standard. This housing edge matters more as boomers may not be able to afford living in some states due to rising costs.
Healthcare is another major expense that shouldn't be forgotten when planning retirement, but Brownsville does well in this category. Healthcare costs fall 12% below national averages. That's real relief for retirees dealing with medical bills. Utility costs stay reasonable despite Texas's tough climate. PowerOutage reported 2025 electricity bills averaging $140 monthly — slightly less than the $143 U.S. average.
Social Security benefits and retirement distributions avoid state-level taxation entirely, though the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts notes a 6.25% state sales tax applies to purchases. All these cuts create big annual savings that boost purchasing power and financial security for budget-conscious retirees.
There's more to Brownsville than a low budget
Community infrastructure here extends beyond the usual utilities. It hands retirees a sturdy safety net — one they can lean on day after day. Health is the anchor, of course – Valley Regional Medical Center sits at the center of it all, a full-service 214-bed hospital with Level III Trauma Center certification and an accredited Chest Pain Center. It's certainly a lifeline, especially when you remember that Medicare won't cover all hospital expenses.
The cultural pulse of the city beats strongest in the Mitte Cultural District, a microcosm of Brownsville with the Gladys Porter Zoo, the Children's Museum, and the Historic Brownsville Museum all packed together. Walk a little farther, and the Brownsville Historical Association keeps the stories alive at the Stillman House and the Heritage Complex. The Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail offers a free path into the Palo Alto prairie, where the first shots of the Mexican-American War rang out in 1846.
Outdoor options are everywhere. Retirees can head to Resaca de la Palma State Park for a $4 admission fee. The park opens daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, but the visitor center runs Tuesday through Sunday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. The city buzzes with annual events, too. Charro Days is a four-day binational festival linking Brownsville with Matamoros, Mexico. Finally, for beach lovers, South Padre Island is only a 30-minute drive away.